Burford Tolsey Museum

About the museum

The Burford Tolsey Museum is housed in the Tolsey, a half-timbered market house on Burford's High Street that was built in the early 16th century. Tree-ring dating places the timbers at about 1525, and the first written mention of the building is from 1561. It stands on stone pillars so that markets could be held beneath, and tolls were collected there for the lord of the manor. The assembly room on the first floor was used for borough court hearings and meetings of the town corporation.

Over the centuries a lock-up for petty offenders was added at the back, a clock was fitted in the 17th century and a horse-drawn fire engine was stored on the ground floor in the late 18th century. After Burford Corporation ended in 1861 the building passed to trustees, fell into disrepair in the early 20th century and was refurbished in 1955.

The museum opened in 1961, based on a collection of objects with Burford connections donated by a local antique dealer, Roger Warner. Its cabinets show the town's history in themes rather than as one continuous story. Nearby in Swan Lane, the Burford Tolsey Archive looks after the town's written and oral history, photographs and documents.

Highlights

• Grade II* listed half-timbered Tolsey of about 1525
• Themed cabinets on Burford's past, from rope-making tools to a boxwood clarinet
• Assembly room that was used for the borough court
• Burford Tolsey Archive of local documents and photographs nearby in Swan Lane

Permanent exhibition

• Burford's history in themed cabinets – Objects connected with Burford, from medieval trade and the wool industry to coaching days and the Civil War, arranged in themed cabinets.

Founded

1961

Operated by

Burford Tolsey Museum (volunteer-run)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free and donations are welcome.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is on the first floor and can be reached only by stairs, and there are no toilets on site. Visitors with accessibility needs should contact the museum in advance, because the nearby archive building is more accessible and volunteers can arrange alternatives.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the Tolsey at 126 High Street in the centre of Burford; the archive is a few minutes away in Swan Lane.

Amenities & dining

There are no toilets at the museum.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit